Treatment of Bartholin's Gland Inflammation in Israel

After the procedure, the patient stays in a comfortable single room of a five-star hotel level, with menu-based meals and round-the-clock monitoring. Discharge usually occurs the next day, and complete recovery takes only 5-7 days without scars and long hospital stays. Ichilov turns what at home can stretch into months of complications into a quick and elegant solution once and for all.

About the disease

Bartholin's gland inflammation is an acute or chronic inflammation of the large vestibular gland (Bartholin's gland), which manifests as canaliculitis, false abscess, true abscess, or cyst of the gland.

Causes

• Sexually transmitted infections (gonorrhea, chlamydia)
• Conditionally pathogenic microorganisms (staphylococcus, streptococcus, Escherichia coli)
• Disruption of secret drainage due to duct blockage
• Injuries and micro-injuries in the vulvar area
• Neglect of hygiene

Symptoms

• Painful lump in the lower third of the labia majora
• Redness and swelling of the skin
• Sharp pain when walking and sitting
• Fever
• Purulent discharge upon abscess rupture
• General weakness and malaise

Treatment methods for Bartholin's gland inflammation

At the Ichilov clinic, treatment methods for Bartholin's gland inflammation are selected based on the stage of the inflammatory process, the presence of an abscess or cyst, the frequency of recurrences, and the individual characteristics of the patient.

Conservative therapy

At the early stage of inflammation, when abscess formation is absent, Ichilov gynecologists use medication to suppress the infectious process. Broad-spectrum antibiotics are prescribed after conducting a bacteriological culture to determine the sensitivity of the pathogen. Anti-inflammatory agents reduce swelling and pain, improving the patient's overall well-being. Local application of antiseptic solutions and ointments helps to sanitize the inflammation focus. This approach allows stopping the disease's progression at the initial stage and avoiding surgical intervention with timely consultation.

Puncture and drainage of the abscess

When a purulent cavity forms, urgent drainage is required to evacuate the contents and prevent abscess rupture. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia using a thin needle or a small incision through which a drainage tube is inserted. Ichilov specialists use modern silicone drains that provide continuous drainage of purulent exudate and do not damage surrounding tissues. After the procedure, the cavity is washed with antiseptic solutions. This method quickly alleviates acute symptoms and creates conditions for further conservative treatment or planned surgical intervention.

marsupialization of the cyst

When Bartholin's gland inflammation progresses to a chronic form with cyst formation, surgeons perform marsupialization to create a permanent drainage channel. The operation involves forming an artificial outlet duct by suturing the edges of the cystic cavity to the mucous membrane of the vaginal vestibule. The intervention is performed under general or epidural anesthesia using microsurgical instruments and atraumatic suture material. The created opening allows the gland's secretion to flow freely out, preventing the re-accumulation of fluid. The method preserves the function of the Bartholin gland and significantly reduces the risk of disease recurrence.

Installation of a Word catheter

This minimally invasive method is used for recurrent abscesses or small cysts as an alternative to extensive surgical intervention. The gynecologist inserts a special silicone catheter with an inflatable balloon at the end through a small incision in the wall of the formation. The balloon holds the device inside the cavity, while the opposite end remains outside for drainage of the contents. The catheter remains in the tissues for four to six weeks, during which an epithelialized channel is formed, ensuring natural drainage of the gland. The procedure takes a few minutes, does not require hospitalization, and allows the patient to quickly return to normal life.

Silver nitrate ablation

This procedure is indicated for small Bartholin gland cysts as a gentle alternative to surgical intervention. After treating the surgical field with antiseptics and administering local anesthesia, the doctor makes a minimal incision of the mucous membrane measuring from half to one centimeter above the cystic formation. The contents of the cavity are carefully evacuated, after which a silver nitrate stick is inserted, which has a cauterizing and sclerosing effect on the inner lining of the cyst. The chemical agent remains in the cavity for up to forty-eight hours, causing controlled damage to the walls and stimulating their adhesion. The method is performed on an outpatient basis and does not require suturing, making it comfortable for the patient and minimizing the recovery period.

Alcohol sclerotherapy

The method is used to treat recurrent Bartholin gland cysts when destruction of the cystic capsule is required without extensive surgical intervention. The gynecologist performs a puncture of the formation with a thin needle and completely aspirates the liquid contents using a syringe. A seventy percent medical ethanol is injected into the freed cavity, which remains inside for about five minutes to destroy the epithelial lining of the walls. The alcohol causes chemical coagulation of the proteins of the cells lining the cyst, preventing re-accumulation of secretion and the formation of a new cavity. The most common temporary side effect is redness of the tissues in the affected area, which resolves on its own. The procedure takes a few minutes and leaves no visible marks on the skin.

Laser vaporization

Modern laser technology is used to treat chronic forms of Bartholin's gland inflammation when traditional methods have proven ineffective. Ichilov surgeons use CO2 lasers or diode lasers, which vaporize the pathologically altered tissues of the cyst while simultaneously coagulating blood vessels to prevent bleeding. The precision of the laser beam allows working in hard-to-reach areas, minimally damaging healthy structures. Non-contact exposure reduces the risk of infection after the surgical wound. Healing occurs faster due to the stimulating effect of laser radiation on tissue regeneration, and the absence of scars preserves the aesthetics of the intimate area.

Removal of the Bartholin gland

Excision of the gland is indicated in cases of multiple recurrences, ineffectiveness of organ-preserving surgeries, or suspicion of malignant degeneration of tissues. The surgical intervention is performed under general anesthesia using precision instruments for complete excision of the glandular tissue along with the capsule. Special attention is paid to careful hemostasis and layer-by-layer suturing of the wound with absorbable threads, ensuring a good cosmetic result. Although the operation radically eliminates the source of the problem, Ichilov specialists resort to it only in extreme cases when other methods have been exhausted. After the intervention, the function of lubrication is compensated by other glands of the vaginal vestibule.

Physiotherapeutic treatment

Physiotherapy procedures are prescribed at the stage of acute inflammation subsiding to accelerate the resorption of infiltrates and prevent cyst formation. Specialists use UHF therapy, which improves microcirculation in tissues and stimulates local immunity. Magnetotherapy reduces residual swelling and pain, promoting the regeneration of damaged structures. Low-intensity laser therapy has anti-inflammatory and healing effects. The course of physiotherapy is tailored individually, taking into account the stage of the disease and the patient's overall condition, which allows shortening the recovery period and reducing the likelihood of chronicity of the process.

Diagnostic methods for the disease

At Ichilov, the entire examination program is conducted on expert-level equipment, planned in advance, and completed within 2-3 days without waiting.

First day

Immediately upon arrival, the patient sees the leading gynecologist of the clinic. The doctor collects a detailed medical history, clarifies complaints and the history of the disease, conducts a gynecological examination and examination with mirrors, and performs palpation of the gland. Based on the results, an individual list of studies is formed for a complete and accurate picture.

Second day

All necessary diagnostic procedures are performed within one day in one building of the clinic

• Laboratory blood tests (general, biochemistry, C-reactive protein)
• Vaginal and cervical canal swab for flora and sensitivity to antibiotics
• PCR diagnostics of STIs (chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomonas, mycoplasma)
• Culture of discharge from the gland duct (if discharge is present)
• Transvaginal and transabdominal ultrasound of the pelvic organs with expert-class sensors
• 3 Tesla pelvic MRI with contrast (if deep abscess or large cyst is suspected)

Third day

The treating gynecologist gathers a council with the participation of ultrasound specialists, laboratory technicians, and, if necessary, a surgeon. All data is analyzed together, a final diagnosis is made, and an optimal treatment plan is immediately formed — conservative or minimally invasive intervention. The patient receives a complete protocol and can start treatment on the same or the next day.

How much does treatment cost in Israel

Advantages of treatment in Israel

1. Top-category gynecologists with experience in thousands of minimally invasive surgeries
2. Modern laser and radio wave technologies without recurrences
3. One-day stay in a luxury room
4. Complete preservation of the gland and quick rehabilitation
5. First-class auxiliary services and personal support

Even before arriving in Israel, you can order an online consultation with the leading gynecologist of Ichilov. The specialist will review the images and tests, provide precise recommendations, answer all questions, and discuss the most modern and effective treatment methods specifically for your case.